Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle celebrated 178 graduates during its 59th commencement ceremony on Saturday.
A crowd packed The Forum in Presque Isle for the event, where students received degrees in arts and sciences, business, emergency medical services, nursing and trade and technical occupations.
College President Timothy Crowley congratulated degree recipients and encouraged them to continue striving toward excellence.
“Commitment is extremely important. And to be a positive person, to take that commitment and be positive in what you try to do in your life and in your community, [can] provide tremendous results,” he said.
Maine Community College Board of Trustees Chair Joyce Maker also offered remarks.
Jalen Lucas, the college’s Student of the Year, was the class speaker. He humorously recounted traveling from his home in Trinidad and Tobago to northern Maine.
“The only advice, if you want to call it that, I got was, ‘It’s kind of cold up here.’ I thought to myself, ‘I like the cold. No problem,’” he said. “Now, after spending two years here, I can confidently say I was very wrong.”
He introduced his parents and sister, who traveled to Presque Isle to be at graduation. He described the college community as close-knit and a home away from home for many.
To be successful, people don’t need to be rich or famous. Success in life is about fostering meaningful relationships and working together, he said.
“If there is anything that you take from me today, remember that to leave a legacy and to achieve greatness is not to give money, but to leave those whom you cross paths with, with a little more happiness and hope.”
U.S. Army Brigadier General Diane Dunn, who became the 41st adjutant general of the Maine National Guard in February, was the commencement speaker.
She spoke of her ties to Aroostook County, having been a hockey mom and a harness racing fan attending events in Presque Isle. She has a brood mare who was born in Presque Isle, and also learned that her uncle and Crowley grew up together.
Dunn said she struggled during her freshman year in college and had to dig her way out of a bad semester, but has discovered many opportunities since then.
“Build on all that you have learned here and allow it to propel you,” she said. “I will unapologetically make this pitch: wherever and whenever possible, stay, learn and work locally. We need you here in Maine.”
Music was provided by bagpipers Johnny Carpenter and Scott Heney, who led the processional and recessional, and by pianist Corinne Lovejoy. The campus chorus sang “I Was Here.”
Graduates turned their tassels, and after all had received their degrees they launched a shower of confetti to celebrate.
